Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks reacts after a basket against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on Monday, Jan. 18, 2016 in New York City. Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac

HIGHLIGHTS

Knicks’ leading scorer averaging career-high 4 assists

Coach thinks he can be even more of threat as passer

Derek Fisher thinks Car melo Anthony can be more of a playmaker.

Anthony has assumed those responsibilities more this season, especially after grabbing a defensive rebound. He’ll bring the ball up and set up the offense the way Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Kobe Bryant did for Phil Jackson in the triangle. Anthony is averaging a career-high 4.0 assists after getting nine, tying his season high, last night in a 118-111 overtime win over the Jazz.

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“I think there’s some more playmaking opportunities that will continue to be a part of his maturation in how we play,” Fisher said. “I think there will be times when we can put the ball in his hands more and allow his size and his ability to create shots for other people to be more of a feature. And that’s a part of our offense that we real ly want to get to. We’re looking forward to being able to play Carmelo at the top of the floor at times.

“I think he can average a pretty high number of assists because of how aggressive teams are defending him.’’

Fisher also hopes forward Derrick Williams can develop into that type of player.

Thomas sits

A sore left knee sidelined Lance Thomas last night, but he said it’s “nothing alarming” and he thinks he’ll be able to play tomorrow against the Clippers.

Thomas hurt his knee on the final play of regulation Monday. He was re-evaluated by the doctors, and he said he doesn’t need an MRI. “It’s a sore knee, mild little sprain,’’ he said. “It’s a day-to-day thing.’’

The All-Star starters will be announced tonight on TNT, and it will be a surprise if Anthony isn’t one of them. He led Detroit’s Andre Drummond by 6,000 votes for third place among East frontcourt players. The top three vote-getters will start Feb. 14 in Toronto. Anthony has started the last six All-Star Games.

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If Anthony isn’t voted in, the coaches likely will put him on the team. Kristaps Porzingis is a lock to be picked for the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend.

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